Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shaibani arrived in Baghdad on Friday for his first official visit since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. He met with his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein, as part of efforts to discuss bilateral relations amid escalating tensions.
Shifting Alliances and Sectarian Divides
Syria and Iraq have had a complex relationship, especially after the overthrow of Assad, who was a key ally of the Iraqi government. Iraq, with its Shiite Muslim majority, maintains strong ties with both the United States and Iran, a former supporter of Assad’s rule.
During Syria’s civil war, Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah backed Assad, while Iraqi armed groups also defended his government. However, the rebels who removed Assad in December are Sunni Muslims, creating further sectarian divisions.
Violence and Rising Tensions
The visit follows a massacre of 1,383 civilians in coastal Syria earlier this month, allegedly carried out by security forces, allied militias, and jihadists. Most victims were Alawites, a Shiite offshoot sect associated with Assad.
In response, a newly formed Iraqi group has vowed to avenge the killings, leading to tensions within Iraq. Reports indicate that Iraqi security forces have arrested 13 Syrians accused of supporting terrorism and backing the violence in Syria.
Syria Calls for Protection of Its Citizens
Syria’s Foreign Ministry condemned the rising violence against its citizens in Iraq. It urged Baghdad to take “necessary measures to ensure the security of Syrians residing in Iraq.”
This visit by Shaibani is expected to address these concerns while redefining Syria-Iraq relations in the post-Assad era. However, sectarian divisions and political complexities remain significant challenges.
